Hey, it's almost a new year, and that means you need those fun, sexy shoes for New Year's Eve. You also can find some great deals on practical shoes like boots, which I never thought I'd wear in South Florida on a regular basis.

After much searching, I found some party shoes on sale at Nine West. They look a bit like these Audrey Brooke Estella pumps now on sale at DSW, for $49.95. (I paid even less.)

There are many enticing heels on sale at DSW, Macy's, Dillards, Nine West and other stores, but remember: You need to be able to walk, stand and dance in them on New Year's Eve.

So choose wisely, and maybe pick up some boots that don't hurt your feet either, for 50 percent off.

Get 50 percent off Coach shoes. Score fantastic bargains on heels, boots, sneakers, wedges and more. I LOVE savings on designer goods.

Check out this goegeous Coach Astor Heel for $89. They were $178. They come in black, natural or rosegold. There are plenty of other styles to choose from, too. You can score adorable sneakers for $49, too.

Click here for the deal.

Three ways to keep up with the latest deals: "Like" our Sentinel Deals page on Facebook; follow Doreen Christensen on Twitter@PrettyGoodIdeas and get mobile alerts: Text DEALS to 23539.

IconShoes.com is having an end of season sale, marking down sandals and leather accessories more than 70 percent in some instances.

Every sandal is on sale for $49 (some were priced $325). Handbags, pouches and coin bags all have been marked down, too.

ICON prints awesome images on supple leather shoes, bags and small goods from up-and-coming artists and Masters like Monet and Van Gogh. It made its bones in the fashion world by putting Andy Warhol's Campbell's soup image on leather sneakers.

Click here to browse the sale. Sale-priced items are nonrefundable

OK, 20% off with two purchases doesn't sound that great.

But with the large choice of shoes on clearance at the moment at DSW, you could pick up a pair of sandals, pumps and a new pair of boots, for 20% to 50% off.

These Blowfish Willis Booties are on sale for $49.94.

I recently bought some sandals on clearance, with another 20 percent off, for under $50 including tax. I wasn't quite ready for boots.

If you are, use code SAVE20 to get the 20% off deal online at DSWuntil Aug. 30.

And you thought Crocs were ugly.

Enter the Vibram FiveFingers Multisport Shoes. This fugly footwear for men and women is the latest rage in running and sports. The shoes offer barefoot freedom in your outdoor activities. A pair, if you can get 'em, will set you back $65 to $125.

They're hard to come by, so hot foot it over to FiveFingersOnlineShop.com or REI.com to get yours.

Three ways to keep up with the latest deals: "Like" our Sentinel Deals page on Facebook; follow Doreen Christensen on Twitter@PrettyGoodIdeas and get mobil alerts: Text DEALS to 23539.

Boots apparently are always in fashion, whether it's 100 degrees or 60 degrees.

Get your latest style boots for $10 off at DSW, online only with code GET10. These SM Hipstr Booties would be $39.95 with the $10 offer.

I was visiting my hometown of Springfield, Ill., recently (not exactly Milan) and short boots were all the rage among teen girls at the mall, even though it was 113 degrees outside. I couldn't quite see it, but I do like boots in the fall. And $10 off is always welcome.

I was in Miami last weekend and among the many new cool stores, restaurants and experiences I had, I discovered Morgan Miller Shoes.

The shoe store, on Lincoln Road Mall in Miami Beach, allows you to design your own shoes. It's a dream come true for shoe-a-holics like me. Pick your own base, strap and accessories. Choose a kitten heel, wedge, high heel or stiletto.

Design your own shoes at Morgan Miller Shoes.

Morgan Miller's only other stores is in Dubai, but stores also are planned for New York, Beverly Hills and Las Vegas.

Custom shoes don't come cheap. The one I designed would total $185, a bit more than I pay for shoes at my favorite outlet. Maybe for a special occasion.... -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

Can't have enough summer sandals, especially in South Florida.

Find this Enzo Angelini sandal and many others from Coach, Nine West, Steve Madden and other well-known brands on Amazon.com through Gotham City's online store.

This blue sandal is on sale for $59.50, but there are many selections under $50 and $30. Browse the sale at Amazon.com.-- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

Old Navy stores are selling all classic flip-flops for a buck each on Saturday, May 22. They usually sell for $3.50 each.

There's a limit of five pairs per customer. Stores are opening early so get yours to be sure you don't step on a pop-top this summer!

-- Doreen Christensen

Talk about a happy Mother's Day! The website 6pm.com is having an incredible sale on shoes by luxury-brand Cole Haan. More than 750 styles for men and women are on sale for 40 percent to 77 percent off. Snap up sandals for summer like these ivory stunners, right. They listed at $195, now on sale for $60.03 with $6.95 shipping. Click here and get your credit card out. Sale ends today.
This mother is happy indeed. :)
-- Doreen Christensen

We've got a hot deal from Payless Shoes for you today. Selected styles are Buy One Get One half price, and we've got a coupon for 20% off your entire order. Just enter code 31491 at checkout.

I have spring shoe fever! DSW is offering this cute Jacques sandal by Jones New York in spring colors at $10 off $49 with code SAVE 326 at DSW.com.

With the same code, get $15 off $79 shoes and $20 off $99 shoes.

Unless you know what fits and feels comfortable, I would suggest tryiing on the shoe at a DSW store and then buying them online to get the savings -- if you can wait. You also have to weigh the shipping costs to see whether it's worth the online discount.

Do you have spring shoe fever? Let us know about the deals you find by posting here. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

Interested in a fall fling with this boot beauty? So many prospects, so few cool days in South Florida. No matter, here's a deal that can't be missed.

Nine West is offering its "Fiddle" riding boot from its Vintage American Collection at 50 percent off for just $84.50. These knee-high leather boots come in brown, black and natural. The offer's good through Sunday, Nov. 15.

To get your boots click here.

Also enjoy 30 percent off Nine West's Fall Specials collection and 20 percent off select handbags.

And there's free shipping on any purchase for a limited time... to boot.

Happy shopping!

--Erika "Frugal Fashionista" Pesantes

Like Frugal Fashionista Erika, I succumbed to fall fashion and bought a pair of boots this weekend.

But I got a great deal, as usual, from DSW. They have a selection of boots for $49.99.

I bought black ankle boots from Madden Girl with my $10 gift certificate from DSW's rewards program. I combined that with a 30% coupon they mailed me. I walked out with my new boots for a little over $26.

You can join their rewards program as well to receive coupons and everytime you buy, rack up points toward a gift certificate. Get a coupon online right now for $10 off any $49 purchase at DSW. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

Yes, agreed South Florida is an anomaly when it comes to seasons, but we can't help but fall in love with fall... and its fashions.

While sandals might be the more practical footwear today, I couldn't help but fall for some boots and other closed-toe beauties from Aerosoles while I was in New York late last month.

There's just one Aerosoles store in the area, in Boca Raton's Mizner Park. But here's a glimpse of what you can also find online- and what caught my eye.

The rich chocolate brown suede boots on the left look comfortable enough for you to prance around town all day. The buckled ankle strap gives it just enough flair. Price tag: $74.25, on sale.

And I fell hard for these plum suede and leather trimmed shoes with tasseled laces on the right. Now, this is a shoe I tried on that is incredibly comfortable. You're walking on clouds. I'm still thinking about these. They will run you $89.

If you're like me, set on getting a pair of eggplant toned shoes this season (cause plum seems to be all the rage), here's a cheaper and South Florida appropriate alternative. Suede heeled sandals for $59.99.

Happy shopping, and to check out more of Aerosole's online sales go here.

I have a weak spot for shoes, despite the dozens and dozens of pairs I own that I've no closet space for. But I still couldn't resist Nine West's sweet shoe sale when I swung by to return another pair (due to buyer's remorse).

So, drop by a store and check it out for yourself. I found a pair of black rounded-toe pumps marked down as low as $29.99. Other shoes were similarly low in price with an additional 30 percent off at the register.

These coral peep-toe platform pumps are on special for $39.99. And I'm very tempted to return to the store for these metallic pumps that really spice up an outfit for just $29.99.

Start shopping here.

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Attention shoe lovers: Get up to $25 off your next DSW online purchase.

This offer's good through July 27 with promotion code SAVEMORE upon checkout. You can save $10 when you spend $49; save $15 when you spend $74 and save $25 when you spend $99 or more.

And with any of these purchases you get free shipping (or with any purchase of $35 or more, actually). Use promotion code SHIP623 to get that freebie and check out www.dsw.com to start shopping.

Get ready for happy feet!

I usually like to try on shoes, rather than buy them online. But if you know the designer and style that fits you best, shop DSW online clearance sale beginning today, July 1, through July 9.

These black strappy sandals by Tahari are tempting me.

When buying online, type in the code SUMMER7 to get the discount. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

Don't walk past them like I did: Coach shoes of all types and styles are on sale for $69.95 at DSW. Regular prices range from $178 to $198.

I went running by this find in the Boca Raton store, as usual making my way toward the clearance rack. Lots of shoes at 30 percent off and more in clearance and some in the regular aisles. But many are last season's rejects.

The real deal is at the front of the store: Coach high-heeled sandals, platform shoes and boat shoes marked down by at least half!

And here I was moaning about how the store was low on inventory -- nearly every shoe I looked at was sold out in my size -- I did still manage to find two shoes on sale and one just-had-to-have wedges for regular price.

At least I got my members' discount: $25 off of three pairs of shoes through a postcard I received from DSW. Sign up for free memberhip. You can earn points and get special deals.

There's nothing like new shoes to brighten a woman's day. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

This deal is so good, it’ll have you doing flips.

Summer's almost here, so glam up and primp up those toes and show them off with $1 flip-flops from Old Navy.

It's such a steal, you won't feel guilty filling your whole shoe rack with flip-flops to match your outfits… and your nail polish. But you’ve just one day to do it: Saturday, May 23.

With the extra money in your pocket you may even get to “splurge” some on these cute, square-toed sandals. They come in fun zebra and flower prints for just $7.50.

-- Erika "Frugal Fashionista" Pesantes

Our resident fashionista, Rod Hagwood, sent me a message with these shoes that look like they could be a fashion find for our fave girls in Sex and the City.

Telegraph.co.uk describes them as combining "the elegance of stiletto heeels with the swimming speed of flippers."

But any beach-going Floridian will tell you that you would never get to the water with these. Hm...Calling all lifeguards. Carrie has her stiletto stuck in the sand.

Even if you did want them, you couldn't buy them. They are the creation of Belgian artists Paul Schietekat for a 2006 exhibition.

Hope you got a chuckle. We did.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

Don't we all love sexy sandals? They're so-ooo Sex in the City.

It's even better when you can get them at a discount price. Endless.com has a great buy on Nine West Dayglow Sandal. List price is $78.95. It's on sale for $33. I just love the look, don't you?

The strappy sandal is made of leather with a satin upper. The sexy stilleto is 3 1/4 inches high. It comes in black, bronze, light pink and pink.

To buy a pair, Click here.

This spring and early summer is the time of South Florida's outdoor festivals, with SunFest in West Palm Beach and the Las Olas Wine Festival both tonight.

Dressing properly for a festival is key to enjoyment: The weather is hot so no jeans unless you're going late evening. Cotton sun dresses and light-weight clothes are best. And flat or cushioned shoes comfortable for lots of walking and standing are a must.

That's why wedge sandals at DSW caught my eye. The store and online have several varieties, in the $40-$50 range, both fashionable and easy on the feet.

So have some fun in the sunshine, hear some great music, drink some fine wine, but spare yourself blisters. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

I've been resisting the dominatrix-style sandals.

But these Nine West "Jessica" sandals caught my eye. They're marked down 25 percent to $49 and if I buy another pair, I get the whole purchase 20 percent off.

Is it time for some sexy sandals? Is it always? -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

I can always find great shoe deals at DSW. I especially like their clearance racks. But you can improve your savings through DSW's offer of 30 percent off online. Click here for the offer, good just through Monday, April 13:

DSW Clearance. Enter code SPRING30 to get the 30% discount.

I spotted these Nicole Miller silver sandals for $59.96, for example. Just in time for your Easter finery, if you do that kind of thing. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

If you expect that shoes with the Ralph Lauren label will be way too expensive, check this out.

We found Ralph Lauren's Brenna dress sandal for only $48.92. Regular price is $89.95. The sexy patent leather shoe comes in silver or gold metallic finish with a 3.5 inch heel. Click here for endless.com

One caveat: Fit may be a gamble. One purchaser commented on the Website that they hurt her feet. But I have found what hurts one person's foot doesn't hurt another's. Do you want to take a chance for high style? I guess that's up to you.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

I just love a bargain-- especially when it's shoes. A girl can't have too many pairs of shoes, can she?

Check out the sale at ShoeSteal.com, which offers 50 percent off dress shoes for men, women, and children.

There are big names among the bargains such as Calvin Klein, Donald J Piner, Kenneth Cole, Tommy Hilfiger and Steve Madden.

It's easy, just click your shoe size and gender and click through the “Dress” category for the bargains marked with the 50 percent off tag. The sale ends Feb. 22. And it pays to buy more than one pair. Shipping is $5 for the first pair and $1 for each additional pair.

I may just buy these Charlize Bison wedges, left, that were $99.99 and are now $49.99. Or the Beverly Feldman heels that were $179.99 for $89.99. See 50 percent off shoes

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

Macy's must be clearing inventory for spring.

Regular items are 30 percent to 85 percent off and clearance items 40 percent to 50 percent off starting Friday , Feb. 20, (preview day) and going through Saturday, Feb. 21.

Catch the morning specials both days until 1 p.m. Shoes are $10 off for every $50 purchase, but you might find some on clearance for less. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

When is it time to hang up a pair of shoes? Perhaps when they turn into tap shoes.

I wore my favorite Ann Klein black slides to the office last week and heard a "tap, tap, tap" as I walked. Sure enough, I had worn my heels through to the nails.

I thought about repairing. Fellow blogger Kathy tells me she just spent $17 to replace that itsy bitsy rubber piece on her heels. While it might be worth it for shoes otherwise unworn, my poor Ann Kleins were goners.

So off I drove to DSW in Boca Raton where I found some replacement Ann Kleins, not sandals but fairly comfortable high heels, on sale for $35. Of course, I still needed to replace my sandals. I found Aerosole's What's What brand, comfortable yet still stylish black slides also on sale for $35.

When do you give up on your favorite heels? Any recommendations on shoe repair? -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

It seems all the shoe designers are showing these high strappy shoes lately. This particular pair is called Kentaro by Nine West.

The good thing is, I'll be saving money on shoes. I hate them. Can you even imagine?? My LA friend says her 21 year old daughter looks really cute in them, and that Florida is just three years behind California.

Usually she's right, it takes us awhile to adjust. But I can promise, I will NOT be wearing these shoes, even in three years.

And you? What do you think? Do you like this style?

Ok, I know you have been blinded by the gold of Michelle Obama's inauguration outfit by one of her fave designers Isabel Toledo. The pale-gold embossed coat had a matching shift dress with a blingy geometric, diamanté neckline.

But how about the shoes? Carrie Bradshaw alert. She was wearing Jimmy Choos 'Glacier' leather pumps in a striking shade of green, according to the Telegraph in the U.K . They are $695 on dsw.com.

So what do you thnk of the outfit? And is Michelle the "New Jackie Kennedy" or not? I agree with fellow blogger Kathy. She's tall and attractive but she isn't Jackie. Come on, let's start a discussion.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

If kids wear through anything, it's shoes. They wear that favorite pair constantly and they're running, jumping and doing what kids do.

So if you need to reshoe your children or yourself for active play, check out Kohl's sale on athletic shoes. Sneakers, as I call them, are marked down 20% to 50%, depending on the brand and style. These Fila Sport Durango skate shoes for boys, for example, are $24.99.

Kohl's, a relatively new store to South Florida, is located in Boynton Beach off Gateway Boulevard exit off 95. Just in case you didn't know. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

Shoe fav DSW apparently has teamed with Chevrolet in a promotion, offering a $10 coupon toward a purchase of $50 or more for anyone who test drives a Chevy Traverse Crossover. More importantly, enter the contest to win a DSW shopping spree worth $5,000.

Has American's automobile industry finally realized women are the ones making buying decisions?

Check out the promotion at Happy Shoe Year Sweepstakes.

Just don't drive in your high heels. Not that it's dangerous; it ruins your heels. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

One of the many bargain sites I subscibe to featured "Cammie," leopard-printed haircalf pumps from the Ralph Lauren Collection. They have a 3.5-inch stacked heel, leather lining and sole.

The regular price of $695 is way too expensive and so is the $417 sale price. But my source, seekingdesigners.com, says you can enter the code SAVEMORE at checkout and save even more. The new price is $230.12, including tax. That's still too expensive for many of us, but if they make your heart beat, it may be worth it. Go to bloomingdales.com.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

Buy a pair of Merrell shoes at Vince Canning Shoes in Delray Beach through Dec. 10 and Merrell will donate $5 to Kids of Compassion, an organization that puts together shoe boxes filled with food, water, and toiletries for the homeless.

The folks at Vince Canning will add another $5 to the donation.

Merrell makes sport shoes and slightly more fashionable slides like this taupe Gardenia Thong, which features a stretchy neoprene/spandex on a pigskin-lined nubuck leather upper with an antimicrobial footbed. It sells for $65.

What's really cool is the founder of Kids of Compassion is Amanda Denkler, who is only 11 years old. Her group has been making and distributing boxes for 2 years and has given over 600 boxes to local homeless people.

You can meet Amanda between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. for drinks and hors d'oeuvres

Store hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday.

Give it a try. Isn't giving to others what Christmas is all about?

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

Put on your running shoes and sprint to DSW. The shoe store's sales racks are full of designer shoes -- Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Ann Marino and many, many more.

Most are dress-up heels and sandals -- great for holiday events. Get this: I bought two pairs of gorgeous shoes: a marbled shiny brownish black Ann Marino and sexy black pumps from Rampage for $35. OK, I had two $10 coupons DSW had sent me for being a loyal customer -- but still!

So don't wait until you need those satin with rhinestone pumps for the holiday party, go while you can get them el cheapo. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

If you have an overwelming appetite for accessories, For Love 21 is your destination.

The sister store to Forever XXI is at the Dolphin Mall in Miami. As my shopping sister Kathy recently wrote, we had a great time picking up jewelry, belts and other items -- mostly under $10 -- at For Love 21.

I tried on a cute hat and bought some belts, but passed on some really fun boots (why didn't I get those! Only $36.) What's great is that anything in this store won't do too much damage to your wallet.

Great place to find holiday gifts for the young fashionistas in your life. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

I've heard so much about Filene's Basement. Never been there. I am really excited....I'm finally going to get to shop at Filene's Basement! It feels so...so...what's the word...so very cosmopolitan!!

I saw it on Biscayne Blvd the other day as I drove down to Bal Harbor Shops. Wow, my heart jumped...it looked open...too bad...not yet. A freestanding building on the east side of Biscayne. (17651 Biscayne Blvd, Aventura.)

I live and work in Fort Lauderdale, but it seems there are a few reasons to drive south for discount shopping. Loehmann's is down there, and now Filene's.

What do you think? Is Filene's Basement worth getting excited about? Is it all it's cracked up to be? Have any of you shopped there? Is there a good selection? What kind of things do they sell...Designer dresses...Casual clothes? Which do you like better, Loehmanns or Filene's?

What are your favorite stores for finding bargain clothes in South Florida?

Filene's Basement

Last week I promised to let you know about the Miami mall a cute hip young fashion writer recommended. We thought we'd check it out first. It's an easy drive if you follow the Homestead signs driving south on the Turnpike. We didn't...don't ask.

Hardly an undiscovered gem, the huge parking lot was full, full, full. But, wow, well worth the drive. It's huge....and doesn't seem as picked over as local Sawgrass Mills.

It has some of the same big flagship stores as Sawgrass: Neiman Marcus Last Call, Off Fifth Saks Outlet, Burlington Coat Factory, T J Maxx, Marshalls, Bed Bath and Beyond. In total there are over 240 stores and restaurants.

Fellow blogger Marcia and I only had a few hours...we could have spent the whole day! Heck, you could spend a week there! We happened to walk in the entrance that took us to For Love 21, the Forever 21 accessory store. Huge selection, amazing prices. I bought a beaded necklace with a cheap charm on it, intending to replace their charm with an old locket I've had. Marked $4.95...scanned in at $1. Like a treasure hunt!

We ran out of time after Neiman Marcus Last Call...walking out for a previous engagement was sheer torture. The store signs were like the mythical sirens summoning us: Michael Kors, Coach, Calvin Klein, DKNY, DSW, Ann Taylor.....

But we'll certainly go back. And soon!

Dolphin Mall

Ready to save more money? Then sign up today at Shopittome.com.

This cool site is like having a personal assistant who browses the Web for you looking for the best sales and coupon alerts, including codes. You can get an e-mail alert daiily, twice a week or weekly.

You'll find discounts on brand names like Ralph Lauren, Prada, Jones New York, Addias, Dana Buchman, Jimmy Choo, Liz Claiborne and Ann Taylor.

Ask for e-mail delivery on Fridays, when most online retailers mark down clothing, ShopSmart magazine suggests.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

No trick! Stuart Weitzman, Kate Spade and other designer shoes and boots at Marshall's.

I have my eye on some wicked dark red heels by Weitzman, but at $129.99 still too pricey for me. Of course, all these shoes retail for two or three times the Marshall's price so they are a relative bargain. Let's see: Sexy shoes or go visit my son at college? Darn, the kid wins.

Moms (and dads) should also check out the children's Halloween costumes at Marshall's. Adorable princess dresses, Snow White outfit and other poofery for the girls. Batman, G.I. Joe and Star Wars for the boys. Priced nicely at $12.99 to $29.99. Beats sitting up at the sewing machine all night.

Maybe I could work those red shoes into a costume. Any ideas? -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

Have you been eyeballing a particular pair of Nine West shoes.....don't want to pay retail?

I'm with you, I have a serious aversion to retail. It's not as good as a great sale, but if you can't wait, here's a coupon. Until October 31st you can save $10 on a purchase of $65 or more when you pay with a Visa card, in Nine West stores and online.

Use coupon code NWVIS8 online or print the page in the link below and present at time of purchase.


NineWest Coupon

I met famed shoe designer Stuart Weitzman once. I was a young mother who wasn't too concerned about fashion at the time. I'm embarrassed to say I didn't know who he was.

Now, a bit more fashion savvy, I yearn to own even one pair of his magnificant shoes.

Weitzman does his part to find a cure for ovarian cancer with his annual "Celebrity Shoe Auction" each September. He entices movie and TV stars including Brooke Shields (Lipstick Jungle) and Blake Lively (Gossip Girls) to design shoes for the cause.

Most are pretty wild featuring shells and studs while others such as Serena Williams and Jessica Simpson who have design companies, a bit more wearable. Check it out yourself at Stuart Weitzman Celebrity Auction

The shoes are crazy, but the cause -- women's cancer research -- well worth the price. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

I'm one of those people who can't wear cheap shoes. It's like falling in love with a dangerous man. You know from the first he's not good for you, but you take a chance that this time it will be different. And so it is with shoes.

When I find a comfortable pair that looks good, I want to share it with all my friends. A few months ago I bought a pair of metallic snake Elite sandals from Walking Cradles. They have been the love affair that lasted. They are so comfortable that I went back to Brandy's in Pompano Beach this past weekend to buy another pair. This time I bought them in black. They were $94.99, but worth every penny.

A few of the reasons they are comfortable is because they have a 2 3/4-inch flexible cork heel and inside is a tiny pillow insole. No wonder they call them Amore!

Brandy's is located at 1290 North Federal Hwy, Pompano Beach 33062, Call 954-943-9667,

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

A friend was driving to Vero Beach to check out a house -- under $200,000, by the way -- and invited me to tag along to go outlet shopping.

Vero Fashion Outlet is about an hour and a half away from where I live in Palm Beach County. Is it worth the price of gas? It was for me, because someone else was driving, and because the sales were fantastic: 50 to 70 percent off at most designer outlook shops.

My best buy: a $49 Max & Cleo dress marked down from $188 originally at the BCBG Max Azria outlet. I also found two tops I can wear to work for only $11.99 apiece at Calvin Klein and Van Heusen and buy-one-get-one-free jewelry at Jones New York.

Moreover, my mother benefited because I found her unusual narrow shoe size at Clark's outlet. If the shoes don't fit, I was told I could take them back to any other regular store closer to home. So I don't have to pay for any extra gas to return them. What a good deal!

Vero Fashion Outlet: Worth the trip, especially if your friend is driving. You might want to check out the houses, too. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

While I was driving to work this morning, I heard a commercial for shop.com, which promised discounts of up to 75 percent off.

I couldn't wait to see it.

Shop.com is a portal, which links to other sites. The variety is astounding. They feature everything from sneakers to stilletos.

Here are two of my faves:

Stuart Weitzman Dreamgirl: Carrie Bradshaw, our Sex and the City shoe maven, would go wild for this pair of sexy slides with Swarovski crystal hardware. They have a leather-lined footbed and a 4-inch heel. Available in satin or specchio calf. They were $495 (ouch!) and on sale for $297.

Pear-studded sandal: This faux-pearl studded sandal from Newport News and beaded trim slingback is a lot of sexy shoe for the price, It has a 2-inch heel and a more conservative price. It was $74 on sale for $34.99.

See them at shop.com. And channel your inner Amelda Marcos.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

I'm a fan of InStyle magazine http://www.instyle.com/instyle/
I'm a much bigger fan of any help that gets me to that state of fabulosity (Kimora, thank's for coining that word). So when I heard that the magazine's editors created Instant Style, I had to buy.

Although I know what looks good I don't always do justice while shopping or getting dressed (there have been a few fashion faux paux). If your fashion impairment has to do with putting an outfit together, then start turning these pages.

The book's useful layout is full of pictures and explainations on what works for different body types. There are tips on wardrobe pieces that are a must.

These suggestions won't be soon outdated because as every fashionista knows, classic pieces of clothing, shoes and accessories are timeless. Not that your wardrobe doesn't need the occasional update, but if you invest wisely, purchases go a long way.

The book retails for $29.95 at major book stores like Barnes & Nobles http://www.barnesandnoble.com/index.asp but there is currently an online offer for $23.96 and members pay $21.56. Check Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/ for prices ranging from $19.77 or less for used copies.

Wishing you a stylish life,
Heather.

Sometimes great shopping tips come from the most unexpected places. My friend, Paul, who doesn't consider himself a "shopper" gave me a blog worthy tip. He found a pair of sneakers and a pair of work shoes for a total of $62!

But the ultimate tipster was his dad, who is also not a "shopper." Dad was in the Palm Beach Mall and discovered a great sale at DSW Shoe Warehouse because this branch was going out of business.

Paul, who had bought a pair of basketball shoes at another store for $32, found a comparable brand for about $22 that were originally $35. He also found a pair of work shoes that were originally marked $69.95 for about $39. The receipt said he saved $115 over what he might have paid in another store. Women's shoes are also on sale.

DSW Shoe Warehouse is located at the Palm Beach Mall, 1801 Palm Beach Lake Blvd #272A, West Palm Beach, 561-478-1332. Hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. See www.dsw.com

There's no closing date, but a customer service reprsentative said the store might be closed by the end of the month. Better hurry!

Bravo, Paul. Thanks for the tip. By the way, he returned the first pair of regular price sneakers.

-- XOXO Shopper Girl

This item comes from our friends at the Los Angeles Times:

Because of its relatively short shelf life, much campaign-season politico-wear tends toward the down-market (“Babies for Obama” onesies, Clinton belt buckles, McCain zip-front hoodies).

But Stubbs & Wootton, the Palm Beach, Fla., purveyor of upscale slippers, took the race-for-the-White-House wardrobe a step in the luxe direction with a presidential-looking version of its classic black velvet slip-on.

Available in men’s ($395) and women’s ($350) at Stubbsandwootton.com, the tuxedo-worthy footwear is embroidered with a silhouette of either the Republican elephant or Democrat donkey in gold metallic thread (or split the ticket with one of each).

-- K.V.W.

In the good things happen if you wait category...

A year ago I took my cousin, visiting from California, to check out Sawgrass Mills. There, at the Cole Haan shoe store in The Colonnades, I saw this great pair of shoes, the CH Brenna Mary-Jane.

I was tempted to buy them, especially because they look similar to my most favoriate pair of shoes which after 5 years have been resoled twice and are really starting to fall apart.

I resisted -- at $150 they were too pricey. Plus don't you hate it when stores like that claim to be an outlet store but hardly carry bargain prices? Other than Neiman Marcus' Last Call store and Crate & Barrel, I've found it's pretty tough to get a real bargain at most of the shops in The Colonnades. Thus, I rarely shop there.

The other day I had a tennis match in Parkland and found myself near Sawgrass. So I popped in, and much to my delight, the Brenna Mary-Janes were on the 50% off rack. I paid $75 for them, and was even more pleased when i compared prices on Zappos and eBay and found I got a real deal.

K.V.W.

I looked around the other day and realized it was fall. What was my clue? Not the weather, still hot and humid. It was the women’s shoes.

Women were wearing closed-toe sling-backs, pointy high heels and boots -- knee-high fashionable leather boots. I looked down at my summer sandals in shame. With a trip to New York City coming up, I desperately need boots.

So this weekend I hit DSW in Boca Raton (Phone: (561) 483-1345), which is having a 50 percent-off sale on certain boots. I was looking for the impossible: boots that were stylish yet comfortable. The Steve Madden quilted boots were gorgeous and half off of $79.95, but I know I wouldn’t make it very far in the pencil-thin heels.

A mid-length Ann Klein with a side buckle also were attractive in style and half off of $109.93.

But not for walking. Short suede boots from Nine West were appealing, but not half off: $79.95 for leather uppers?

I settled on Nickels’ soft boot: short style with a buckle. They feel good and the price was right at $36.95. The real test will be how many blisters I bring back from the Big City.

- Marcia Heroux Pounds

Summer is over (Autumn officially begins next Sunday) and, while it is never really over here in South Florida, there is one thing that signals the end: All those sandals you coveted the past few months are probably on sale!

My most fave (and most used) pair this summer was the Nine West Twinstars thong sandal in black patent. Bought them in May for $65 and have worn them practically every weekend since. Nothing like patent leather and cork heals to deal with summer rain -- love it! These are the kind of shoes that are so comforable and stylish that you wish you had bought them in other colors.

So it dawned on me recently to check ninewest.com. Sure enough, I found a pair in my size for half price ($29.99).

This pair is yellow patent leather -- a sunny reminder of summer to get me through fall and winter.

-- K.V.W.

What are they, you ask? Why, only the hottest fitness shoe in the U.K. According to the FitFlop official Web site: "The FitFlop's uniquely built multi-density midsole activates muscles midstep to help tone your thighs, your calves and your glutes. FitFlops are biomechanically engineered to absorb shock, lessen joint strain, and recreate the gait of barefoot walking -- but with a powerful new built-in micro-wobbleboard workout-enhancing effect."
Frankly, I hadn't heard anything about them until I got the e-mail last week from Bath & Body Works. But when I read that the $39 flip-flop style shoes sold out overnight across the pond, I had to have 'em and ordered them straight away (that's what they say over there). And just like that, they were sold out.
So, no, you can't get them at B&BW, but you can pre-order a pair from Bliss Spa for $45 (ya snooze, ya pay more). But they won't be available until mid-July.
If you absolutely can't wait, there are quite a few pairs on eBay, where they've been selling for more than $80.
So I got 'em in the mail today. Very comfy, easy to walk in. A miracle worker? We'll see.
-- G.G.S. (no, those aren't my legs -- don't I wish!)

I'm more than a 10, baby, I'm an 11!
(I'm talking shoe size.)
So when the whole Crocs craze cropped up a few years ago, I thought I'd like to get a pair of the comfy clogs. Trouble is, in my size they look like Barbie lifeboats.
So when my sis came by in these new Crocs, I thought "finally! a Croc for me!"
The Primas are just as comfy as the other Crocs styles, just more streamlined, and come in cute colors. I picked up a pair of Pearl (winter white) ones at Dillard's for $24.95.
One warning: they sometimes make squeaky noises when you walk.
-- G.G.S.